The services in Appleton Chapel last night were conducted by the Rev. Endicott Peabody, head master of the Groton School, who took for his text, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Mr. Peabody first defined the meaning of the word religion. Religion is not mere belief, though it is often so regarded. Neither is religion a feeling of emotion for some particular phase of its manifestation. Religion is rather the "pressing forward toward the mark of our high calling in Christ Jesus our Lord." It is this intention, graven on the heart, that changes a man's life. It is a mistake to call any weak man well-meaning, since, in the higher and broader sense, if a man means well he will do well. A man interested in athletics shows it in his bearing and conversation. Similarly, if Christ is the centre of a man's thought he naturally grows into a life of righteousness and self-sacrifice, and shows it in his outward life.
We are sometimes tempted to think of religion as a negative force in life. Its real value, however, is in raising us to a plane above low temptation, and in leading us on to higher and nobler actions. The attitude of indifference towards the conduct of others, so long as we ourselves are not affected, inflicts indescribable harm, which cure can only be remedied by men of courage daring to stand up for justice and truth.
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